Folding table leg brace



Dec. 19, 1933.

H. T. TUCKER 1,940,569

FOLDING TABLE LEG BRACE Filed May 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 g 5 FIG. 1. M 25T- 7/ INVENTOR.

H EUIH T. Tucker ATTORNEYS.

1933- H. T. TUCKER FOLDING TABLE LEG BRACE Fi led May 16, 1932 4Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.6

KNVENTOR. Henry T. Tucker Dec. 19, 1933. T, KE 1,940,569

' FOLDING TABLE LEG BRACE Filed May 16, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 8. q9 WI) all w 10 i FIG; 11.-

INVENTOR. 2 FIG 13 2" Hem- T Tucker" a? E J I BY 4 r I ATTORNEY Dec. 19,TUCKER FOLDING TABLE LEG BRACE Filed May 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Y I 9v I1 INVENTOR 8/ Q J Z4 TLlBkEP- ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 1 9, 1933 were!) STATES} PATENT orricr Henry T. Tucker,Fort Smith, Ark. Application May 16, 1932. Serial No. 611,727 4 Claims.(Cl. 45-41) The present invention relates to tables of that type havingfolding legs and generally known as card tables, such tables having atopframe inwardly of which the legs are folded along the side rails ofthe frame.

The primary object of the invention is to provide improved folding tableleg brace means wherein the legs will be rigidly held in an extended oropen position. i y,

A further object of theinvention is to provide an improved bracing meansfor folding table legs embodying a spring device for holding the legs inan open position and readily releasable to permit folding of the legs.

A further object of the invention is to: provide bracing means forfolding table legs embodying brace members arranged in right angularrelation for bracing the legs in two directions when extended, one ofsaid brace membersbeing foldable with the legend the companion bracememher being pivoted at one end-upon the leg and. having slidingmovement at its opposite end into engagement with locking means servingto retain the leg in an open or extended position. A further objectresides in the novel means whereby the locking device is automaticallyengageable with the pivoted and sliding brace member upon the limit ofopening movement of the leg. A still further object is to provide anarrangement whereby the legs and bracing means therefor are completelyfoldable into the framing of the table top, with means for yieldablyretaining the legs in a folded position. A still further object is toprovide a folding table construction which may be manufactured at a lowcost, and. one wherein the usual forms of elbow bracing or jack knifebraces are dispensed with, the right angularly arranged brace membersbeing solid thruout their length.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during.the course of the follow ing detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawingsjforming a part of this specification andin which drawingsz- Figure l is a fragmentary bottom, plan view of atable provided with the improved leg bracing means and showing the legsin a folded position.

Figurez is an enlarged sectional view thru one cornerportion of thetable and showing the leg in an extended or opened position. V

Figure 3 is .a fragmentary sectional view showing the retaining springraised to permit folding of the leg in the direction of the arrow;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectionalview'of one corner portion of thetable and taken at a right angle tothe showing in Figure 2. L

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 4 andshowing the man.- ner of pivotally mounting the legs.

Figure 6 isa fragmentary sectional view of one corner portion ofthetable and showing a modie fied form of brace means, Figure 6 showingan arrangement whereby the brace .members and slides mayfbe formed fromcylindrical material.

Figure '7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the spring keeperraised to permit folding of the legs.

1 Figure 8 is a. fragmentary sectional view taken at a right angle tothe showing in Figure 6.

Figure. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 9-9 of Figure 6.

Figure. 10 is a perspective viewof one of the spring clips for use withtheformof bracing shown in Figures 6 to 9 inclusive for holding the legsin a closed position. 7

Figure ll is a fragmentary sectional View showing a gravity actuatedkeeper for retaining the legs in an open'position. i Figure 12 is afragmentary sectional view showing the. table in. an. inverted positionand the gravity actuated keeper dropped out of holding engagement withthe locking brace member to. permit folding of the legs. 1

Figure 13 is a fragmentary section on'the line 13-43 of Figure .12. a

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional. view showing modified means forretaining the legs in a folded position, the leg being shown held in aclosed position. 90 Figure 15 shows the legs partly swung open. Figure16 shows aform .of'leaf spring substituted for the coil spring shown inFigures 14 and 15 forholding the legin a closed position. Figure 17 is afragmentary bottom plan view of a table providedwith the leg retainingspring means shown in Figures Is and 15. Referring to the drawings indetail, and

wher.ein similar reference characters designate corresponding partsthruout the several views, 1 in each of the modifications shown the.table' comprises'a preferably square top 5'which may be of any desiredmaterialand secured to a suitable frame formed'by the side rails 6depending from each marginal edge of the top .5. Adapted 10 to bepivotally mounted in each corner portion of the frame formed by the siderails v6 is a leg 7 and these legswhen in .a folded position areintendedto .extendparallel with the siderails 6.

Wlu'le in the example shown thelegs- 7 are of- "11 square shape in crosssection, the legs may of course be of any desired shape.

In each form of bracing means, the legs '7 are pivotally mounted at oneend upon a pivot pin or bolt 8 secured to the side rails 6 and extendingthru a spacer 9 having a flat bearing surface for the legs and thesespacers serve to space the legs slightly from the inner face of therails 6. An angle bracket 10 secured to each corner portion of the topframing as by a fastening element 11 serves to support the inner end ofthe pivot 8. The legs 7 are pivoted between the spacer 9 and projectingflange of the angle bracket 10 and from Figure 5 it will be seen thatthis manner of pivotally mounting the legs provides a reinforcing meansfor the corner portions of the table frame.

Referring first to the specific construction of the leg bracing means Ashown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, an arrangement is provided wherebythe legs are braced in two directions when opened for use, with meansassociated with one of the bracing members to retain the legs in an openposition. The brace means A for each of the four legs of the tablecomprises a pivoted brace arm 12 which is foldable with the legs, and aretaining brace arm 14 having pivotal connection with the legs andslidable connection with the side rail along which the leg is intendedto be folded. The pivoted brace arm 12 is formed of strip metal and ispivoted at one end as upon a pin 13 to the leg '1 at a distance suitablyspaced from the pivot 3, with the pin 13 extending parallel to the pin8. Secured inwardly of each side rail 6 adjacent each of the brackets10, are angle-shaped brackets 15 secured to the side rails by thefastening element '16. These angle brackets 15 form pivotal mountingsfor the opposite ends of the brace arms 12, the arms 12 being connectedto the brackets by the pivots 1'7 which are in substantial axialalignment with the pivot 8 for the legs '7.

Secured also by means of the fastening element 16 is a spring clip 18which yieldably engages the free end portions of the legs 7 to yieldablyhold the legs in a folded position along their respective side rails 6.These spring clips 18 are of substantially Z shape in formation as shownin Figures 2 and 3.

Arranged at the inner side of each side rail 6 to extend longitudinallythereof is a slide rod or barv 20 having offset ends 21 secured to theside rails by fastening elements 22. The body portions of the slides 20extend parallel with the inner faces of the rails 6 and the offset atthat end of the slide adjacent its respective leg forms a stop shoulderengageable by the braces 14 to limit opening movement of the legs. Thebrace arms 12 are pivotally connected at one end upon the pins 13 and attheir opposite ends are provided with outwardly bent portions 23apertured as at 24 to slidably receive the slides 20. These rightangularly bent end portions 23 provide stops adapted to abut the offsetforward ends of the slides 20 as shown in Figure 2 to limit opening ofthe legs 7. When the legs are swung to a closed position longitudinallyof the rails 6 the oifset ends 23 have sliding movement along the sliderods, while the opposite ends of the brace arms pivot on the pins 13.

Mounted inwardly of each side rail 6 as upon suitable pins 26 is aspring catch 27 providing means for automaticallylocking the legs in anopen or extended'position. These spring catches 2'7 are providedadjacent their free ends with an offset 28 and beyond the, onset with afinger grip portion 29. The offset 28 provides shoulders adapted to dropbehind the outwardly flanged end portions 23 of the retaining brace arms14 for holding the portions 23 in firm engagement with the offset at theforward end of the slides 20. In Figures 2 and 3, it will be noted thatthe body portion of the spring leaf forming the catch 2'7 extends inangular relation to the slide rod 20 so that upon swinging movement ofthe legs to an open position the brace arm portion 23 will cause thespring to yield and allow for the portion 23 to readily move to aposition engaging the offset 21 at the forward end of the slide rods. Atthe limit of opening movement of the leg 7, the offset 28 will spring toa position behind the portion 23. When desiring to fold the legs it ismerely necessary to press upwardly on the end 29 of the spring catchesso as to move the offset 28 out of holding engagement with the retainingbrace arms. The legs may then be folded to positions longitudinally ofthe rails 6 and retained in a folded position by the spring clips 18.

Referring now to the form of leg bracing B, shown in Figures 6 to 10inclusive, the form of bracing herein shown is intended to be formed ionfrom a suitable gauge wire or rod of circular cross section. The bracingmeans B for each corner leg of the table comprises a pivoted brace rodor arm 30 and a retaining brace arm or rod 31 which extend in rightangular relation from the legs when in an open position to brace thelegs in two directions The pivoted brace arm 30 for folding movementwith the legs, is formed at one end with an eye 32 adapted to receive apivot pin 33 extended thru the legs in parallel relation to the pivots 8for the legs. diagonally from the leg '7 and has its upper or oppositeend formed into a bearing portion 34 for pivotal mounting in a hingebarrel 35 pressed The brace rod 30 extends from one corner portion of aU-shaped spring.

clip 36 secured by its apertured flange 37 to the side rail- 6 by thefastening element 38. The spring clips 36 are provided with a yieldableflange 39 adapted to yieldably grip the legs 7 when folded. Thus theclips 36 aside from providing means for holding the legs in a foldingposition, also provide pivotal mountings for the brace rods 30 to permitfolding of these brace rods with the legs.

Mounted longitudinally of the inner side or each side rail 6 is a sliderod or bar 40 formed P from round stock and formed at each end with aneye for receiving fastening elements 41 for attaching the slide to therail. The ends of the slides 40 are offset for spacing the body portionof the slides from the inner surface of the side rail and the offset atthe forward ends of the slides provides a stop shoulder 42 adapted to beengaged by the sliding end of the retaining brace rods 31 to limitopening movement of the legs.

The forward offset ends of the slides 40 are preferably set intorecesses 43 for closer spacing of the slide rods to the siderails 6.

The retaining brace rods 30 are formed at one end with an end 44 forpivotal mounting upon the pin 33 serving to connect the brace rods 30 '7to the legs 7. The opposite end of the brace rod 31 is formed with aneye'45 for receiving the slide rods 40 whereby one end of the brace rods31 are slidably connected to the slides. These eyes 45 are adapted toabut the shoulders 42 and 1,940,569 :limit opening swinging movement ofthe legs as and normally spring urged at their free ends toward theslide rods. 1 The leaf springs 47 are formed with loops 48 adapted toextend over the shoulders 42 and provide a-stop shoulder adaptedtospring behind the eye to hold the eye in engagement with the shoulder42 and prevent closing movement of the'table legs. The free end portions49 of the catches 46 provide finger grips for raising the catches topermit folding movement of the table legs. spring catches 46 act toautomatically lock the,

Thus the table legs in an open position by holding the eyes 45 of thepivoted and sliding brace rods 31 in engagement with the shoulders 42acting to shown in Figures 11 to 13 inclusive, this' form of brace meansdiifers fromth'at shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive only in a slightlydifferent construction ofthe slide bars, and the locking means for theretaining brace arms and therefore like reference characters have beenapplied to corresponding parts. In the form of brace means C, the slidebar 20 is formed with the offset ends 21' for attachment to the siderails 6 by the fastening elements 22. The slide bar 20' is formed with areduced slide portion 50 providing a stop shoulder 51 against which theapertured portion 23 of the retaining brace arm 14 abuts to limitopening movement of the table legs. The apertured portion 23 has slidingmovement along the slide portion 50 during opening and closing movementof the table legs. Pivotally mounted at one end as upon a pivot pin 52to the inner side of the slide bar 20 forwardly of the stop shoulder 51is a gravity actuated latch bar 53 provided with a notch 54 to receivethe portion 23 when abutting the stop shoulder 51 .and locking the tablelegs in-an extended position. The latch bar 53 has a lug 58 struck fromthe upper edge of the bar and bent upon the body portion of the bar toform a stop lug engageable with the upper edge of the slide bar 20' tohold the latch in an inclined position as shown in dotted lines inFigure 11 whereby the offset end 23 of the retaining brace arm 14 mayreadily slide beneath the latch bar when the table leg is being swungopen. 7 This lug 58 serves to space the free endof the latch bar abovethe upper edge of the slide bar to permit automatic raising of thegravity actuated latch bar and allow movement of the offset 23 to aposition held in the notch 54. I

In opening the table legs for use, the table is disposed in an uprightposition with the top 5 uppermost. The legs may then be released fromthe spring clips 36 and swung to an open position so that the offsetends 23 of the retaining brace arms 14 slide beneath the latch bars 53.When the offsets 23 engage the stop shoulders 51, the latch bars willdrop by gravity to a position as shown in Figure 11 so that the portions23 are received in the notch 54. This serves to automatically lock thetable legs in an open position. When desiring to fold the legs it ismerely necessary to turn the table over into a position as shown inFigure 12, whereupon the latch bars 53 will swing by gravity out ofholding engagement with the retaining brace bars and allow the legs tobe folded. Thus in the ence numerals have been applied'tocorrespondformof bracing means C,:.the tablelegs maybe opened and-foldedwithoutrequiring manipulation of any releasing means either to permitopening or folding of the legs.

Thus, in each form of leg. bracing means A, B and C, a. means. is.provided to automatically engage the sliding endsoftheretaining brace'members to automatically'lock the table legs in an open position.

Referring now to the form of bracingmeans A shown in Figures. 14' to 17.inclus'ive, this bracing means in its. general construction is similarto the bracing means A shown in Figures 1. to 5- inclusive and.therefore like refer- I ing parts. In the form of bracing means A, thespring clips 18. have been dispensed with and springmeans associatedWith the slide bar and engageable by the retaining brace arm forretaining the table legs'in a folded position.

Referring particularly-to Figures. 14, 15 and 17, an expansion coilspring 60 is disposed about the rear end of each slide bar20 with oneend of the spring abutting against the 'ofiset 21 at the'rear end of.the bar. These coil springs 60 are, of. such lengthasto be engaged bythe olfsets 23 of the retaining brace arms prior to swinging movement ofthe table legs to a fully folded position. The offsets 23 engage theforward endsof the coil springs prior to movement of the pins 13 intoalignment between the pivots 8 of the legs and the sliding ends of theretaining brace arms. When the pins 13 are moved past center as inFigure 14, the spring 50 acting upon the offset 23 acts to urge thetable leg toward the top 5 and thus hold the leg in a folded positionwithin the framingof the table top.

In Figure 16, a U-shaped leaf spring 62, secured at one end by thefastening element 22, serves to exert a pressure upon the offset end1:15 23 of the retaining brace arm for yieldably holding the leg in afolded position within the table top frame.

In each form of the invention, it will be noted 7 that a retaining bracearm is provided having 120' pivotal connection at one end with theswinging legs and having a sliding connection at its opposite end withthe table top frame into engage-' ment with an abutment limiting openingmovement of the legs, with means for automatically locking the brace armagainst the abutment to prevent folding of the legs. It will also beapparent that a novel arrangement has been shown for holding the legs inan open position thru automatic engagement with a solid brace arm havingpivotal mounting at one end and slidable mounting at its other end. Thearrangement disclosed also permits the legs to be braced in twodirections when opened for use.

Changes in detail may be made to the. forms 13;; of invention hereinshown and described, without departing from the spirit of the inventionor the scope of the followingclaims.

I claim:

1. In a folding table, a top fr'ame embodying a side rail, a legpivotally attached to the side rail to fold inwardly thereof, a slidemounted longitudinally upon the inner side of the rail including a bodyportion having a stop shoulder formed at one end thereof, a brace armpivotally connected at one end to the leg and provided at its oppositeend with a guide portion slidable on the slide into engagement at oneside with said stop shoulder when the leg is swung open, and a keeperhaving an offset intermediate its ends providing a shoulder engaging theopposite side of the guide portion when engaging the stop shoulder toprevent folding movement of the leg.

2. In a folding table,.the combination with a top having a frameembodying marginal side rails, and legs pivotally connected to the frameat the corner portions thereof for folding movement along the siderails, of bracing means for the legs when extended, comprising slidesmounted to extend longitudinally of the inner side of each side rail andeach having an integrally formed stop shoulder at their forward ends,brace rods pivotally connected at one end to the legs and having guideportions at their opposite ends offset toward said side rails andslidable onthe slides into engagement with the stop shoulders, a leafspring secured at one end to each side rail above the slides and havingtheir free ends spring urged toward the forward ends of the slides, saidsprings formed intermediate their ends with a stop shoulder engageablebehind the offset guide'portions to retain the tion for releasing thespring to permit folding of the legs.

formed thereon at its forward end providing a stop shoulder, a retainingbrace rod pivotally connected at one end to the leg and provided at itsopposite end with an eye movable along the slide into engagement withthe stop shoulder,

and a spring keeper engageable with the eye when moved into engagementwith the stop shoulder.

4. In a folding table, the combination with a top having a frameincluding a side rail, and a leg pivotally mounted at one end to theframe at the corner portion thereof, a slide mounted longitudinally ofthe inner side of the side rail,

a brace arm pivotally connected at one end to the leg and having a guideportion at its opposite end slidable along the slide, and spring meansengageable with the guide portion when the leg is'folded for yieldablyholding the leg in a folded position along the side rail.

HENRY T. TUCKER.

